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6 Favorite Things

I think those of you who live in the U.S and U.K will gladly agree with me that the weather has officially gone berserk. It's glaringly obvious that all fashion themed posts have gone missing on this blog. I haven't followed NYFW (New York Fashion Week) nor have I had the time to do so. All around me, I see harassed and overly stressed parents who are racking their brains trying to figure how to juggle work and kids with canceled activities (due to flooding) and last minute changes with the school.

I have no qualms about paying ££££ for a pretty handbag but the same rule doesn't apply to winter essentials. All logic flies out the window when it comes to handbags. Yeah, obviously the neurons in my brain have been wired incorrectly. Right now, I'm so pleased I bit the bullet and bought the waterproof Barbour parka. It's the only thing that's keeping me cozy, warm and dry. The thick fleece and faux fur lined hood is a lifesaver. The waxed cotton works beautifully as a wind buffer. So Barbour, whoever your designer, she or he is a GENIUS.

The one thing I love more than candles is a good reed diffuser, particularly ones from Geodesis (I like jasmine and freesia). I don't have to worry about forgetting to blow out the flame before I go to bed. It's a more subtle fragrance that lingers in the room for months. I keep all the bottles and just buy refills which work out tons cheaper.

I stole the husband's Moleskine plain paper notebook to keep my sanity in check. I've tried using my smartphone for note taking but after pressing gazillion buttons to save/open/find the &$&#! file, I gave up and resorted to traditional pen and paper. It's small and robust enough to survive being trashed about in my bag. Currently, it's my one solution to keep myself organized (says the woman who'd sent her child to school in costume when it was meant for the week after).

I've toyed with the idea of using body oil but most are remarkably expensive. I've started using Neom Real Luxury Body Oil recently and became hooked after a week. It's made of 97% certified organic ingredients. The base oil consists of jojoba and safflower with extracts of lavender, jasmine and Brazilian rosewood. Thankfully, at £18, it's an affordable luxury.

Lately, my daily uniform hasn't altered much. It's just a variety of sweatshirts. I don't want to bore you with photos of my OOTD because they're identical on most days. The grey sweatshirt remains a firm favorite.

I think I've gushed enough about these New Balance 420 sneakers. You're welcome to roll your eyes. I was at church recently when I a bloke yelled out "cool trainers!" and gave a thumbs up when I walked past. And you know how rare it is for straight guys to notice women's shoes..........

p.s. A few of you mentioned that UK brands that I'd featured in the past are expensive outside of the country. Wherever possible, I'll link to websites that offer free international shipping.

Funnily enough, I also have a friend who works at Body Shop. She's gifted me with plenty of their reed diffusers. They're actually pretty good. I'm not sure how Jo Malone ones are in comparison with say, Durance or Geodesis. Personally, what I tend to do is check out the actual brand to see if they use natural essential oil based product. I've found Geodesis and Durance to be really good in that sense and also, I've received a lot of compliments from friends stating that they love the fragrance.

Glad you are safe and dry...yes, the weather is crazy as well here, but the photos I have seen of the flooding in England are truly awful. I can't imagine... I was just gifted a reed diffuser for my birthday, and um, had to google how to use it ;p it really is nice, though! Since the polar weather has made my skin even more lizard-like, I have been using coconut oil, topped by a regular body lotion to "seal" it in...it's a bit messy, but smells amazing, and most importantly, is effective.

LOL! That'll be like me, googling to find out what to do when there's "tunnelinng" in a candle. Didn't even know the term exists for candles! I've bought coconut oil for my daughter for years. So cheap too and works fabulously.

We are praying for rain here, worst drought in 50 years, I feel for your guys as this long weekend with the kids has almost sent me crazy. Hey Marlene, I'm wondering at the moment whether people are now wearing fur _even a trim - in the UK. I'm asking around here - even fur from pest animals - and they say you would get stares (not good ones) I asked the question on my blog and no one answered, still controversial subject.

The weather's gone mad, that's for sure. Flooding here and drought over at your end. I know fur is still frowned upon, even here. There are always protestors outside Harrods. I have a friend who loves vintage fur and does wear it. Nobody bats an eyelid. I don't mind a bit fur here and there but that's only because I get a horrific sneeze attack when I'm anywhere near rabbit fur and the like.

Using possum furs is actually a good thing. This sounds awful but I always thought possums as roadkill. I see them ALL the time especially when I'm driving down country roads. Those big eyes always spook me. Euwwww..